Sculptural Forms and Installation Processes: Artist Speak

Alfredo & Isabel Aquilizan

Alfredo and Isabel use everyday objects to convey messages of travel and migration. Many of their installations are based upon their experience of moving to Australia, deciding what to bring and what to leave behind and their struggle to truly be able to call somewhere home. Their multi-sensory installations mean that they are interactive and can leave a stronger impact on the viewer. Often their projects involve working with migrant communities to collect mass produced objects or create pieces that have their own symbolism and meaning. I am fascinated by the way that they can arrange everyday objects to become visually interesting and insightful.

Belonging: In Transit, 2007, personal belongings, boxes, jasmine, Jan Manton Art Gallery, Brisbane

A current exhibition In–Habit: Project Another Country at the Samstag Museum

As soon as I stepped into the space I was struck by awe, similar to the feeling a child might have walking into a lego village. The huge structures made out of hundreds of cardboard buildings, invite you to walk around and peer inside. Many hands have made the buildings and each tells its own narrative. Although it may seem like something out of dream this is an abstracted version of a real place, belonging to the Badjao people of Davao, Philippians. They live on the water in raised houses to keep their beds dry. Music has become a very important part of their lives as it provides a means for them to make a living. Video footage can be seen of the children rapping and playing their handmade drums.